Euro countdown

The new currency comes as a culture shock for some

A few weeks before the euro was launched, PM reporter Angus Crawford toured Europe to investigate preparations for the single currency and to see what lessons Britain could learn from the experiences of our neighbours.

Italy

In his first report, Angus travelled to Rome, where most Italians will not be mourning the passing of their national currency.

The country's business class welcomed the euro - one of Italy's top bankers has called the lira a 'shameful' currency - for imposing much-needed economic discipline from Brussels.

France

The euro coins

The running joke in the German tabloids was that the euro was a Camembert currency: smelly, prone to melt and made in France.

How did the French respond to such Teutonic taunting? Angus reported from Marseilles, where he tried to discover if there was any Gallic pride in the new currency.

Germany

20% less beer was consumed at this year's Oktoberfest in Munich, leading to fears that the EU's powerhouse economy was faltering.

In the third of his reports, Angus revealed why German business, despite the downturn, still believes the euro could soon rival the dollar.

Denmark

If you thought debates about the euro had become divisive in the UK, spare a thought for the Danes.

From Copenhagen Angus examined why a majority in Denmark still say 'Nej' to the euro, despite the government and two-thirds of MPs backing it.

The Netherlands

The Dutch were among the first people in Europe to get their hands on euro coins, as a free pack was given to all 16 million of them by their government.

For the last of his five reports, from Rotterdam, Angus heard how the Netherlands could be about to face some enormous cultural and economic changes.

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To listen to the reports, click on the links above.